NEWCASTLE face a fight to hold onto Italian Davide Santon with Milan lining up the defender as a replacement for Ignazio Abate.

Abate is widely tipped to leave the San Siro and has been linked with a move to Arsenal as a replacement for Bacary Sagna.

However PSG are also interested in Abate, who is close friends with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and also shares an agent with the Swedish striker.

Nevertheless, Arsenal retain hope that the 27-year-old can be persuaded to turn his back on Paris and join the Gunners instead.

Such a move would look considerably more likely if Milan were able to bring in a ready-made replacement.

Arsenal face competition from PSG for Ignazio Abate [GETTY]

AC MIlan want Davide Santon to replace Ignazio Abate

And reports in Italy suggest that the Rossoneri have set their sights on Santon.

Santon started his career in Milan with Inter before making a surprise move to Newcastle in 2011.

The 22-year-old Italian international has had injury problems at St James' Park but has made 10 appearances for the Magpies so far this season.

However, a return to his homeland with a club like Milan could be an inviting option for Santon, who failed to make the Italy squad for the friendlies against Germany and Nigeria and may feel better able to push his claims for a World Cup spot back in Serie A.